System and method of programming an energized opthalmic lens

ABSTRACT

A method and a system for the selection and programming of an energized ophthalmic lens are disclosed. More specifically, the energized ophthalmic lens which can include a variable state arcuate shaped liquid meniscus lens capable of changing vision correction properties upon the receipt of an activation signal. According to some aspects of the disclosure, the system and method comprise vision simulation software configured to use patient&#39;s eye related data and product design options to select the ophthalmic lens and an operational protocol for the change of optical properties.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of, and claims priority to, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/896,643, filed May 17, 2013, published Nov. 20,2014, as US2014-0340632, the entire contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure generally relates to an energized ophthalmic lens and,more particularly, relates to a system for programming multi-focalvision correction parameters of the ophthalmic lens.

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, ophthalmic devices, such as a hydrogel lens, anintraocular lens or a punctal plug, include corrective, cosmetic ortherapeutic qualities. A contact lens, for example, may provide visioncorrecting functionality, cosmetic enhancement, and/or therapeuticeffects. Each function is provided by a physical characteristic of thecontact lens. For example, a refractive quality may provide a visioncorrective function, a pigment may provide a cosmetic enhancement, andan active agent may provide a therapeutic functionality.

Liquid meniscus lenses have been known in various industries. Knownliquid meniscus lenses have been engineered in cylindrical shapes with aperimeter surface formed by points at a fixed distance from an axiswhich is a straight line. Known liquid meniscus lenses have been limitedto designs with a first interior surface generally parallel to secondinterior surface generally parallel to second interior and eachperpendicular to a cylindrical axis. Known examples of the use of liquidmeniscus lenses include devices such as electronic cameras and mobilephone devices.

More recently, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/095,786, titled“Arcuate Liquid Meniscus Lens”, assigned to the same inventive entity ofthe present disclosure, teaches an arcuate liquid meniscus lens suitablefor a contact lens. In addition, as microelectronics continue to bedeveloped, size, shape and control limitations can allow for activeenergized components to be incorporated in ophthalmic lenses in usefulmanners. As previously mentioned, currently available contact lenses arecapable of providing vision correction through a physical characteristicof the contact lens. However, many individuals require the use ofbi-focal or tri-focal lenses in order to provide the vision correctionneeded for vision at different distances. With the use ofmicroelectronics and variable liquid meniscus lenses having geometriesthat can be suitable to be placed on the surface of an eye, newprogramming and design methods and systems that can be useful to providevariable vision correction are desired.

Therefore, there is a need for ophthalmic lenses and systems that canincorporate electronic and active vision correction components that canbe configured to provide multi-focal vision correction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the foregoing needs are met, to a great extent, by one ormore embodiments of the systems and method disclosed herein. Inaccordance with some embodiments, the system for providing multi focalvision correction to a patient can include an energized ophthalmic lenscomprising a media insert and a hydrogel portion. The hydrogel portioncan support, and in some embodiments encapsulate, the media insertencapsulating one or both of: a battery and an arcuate shaped liquidmeniscus lens. A communication system can be in logical electricalconnection with a microprocessor of the ophthalmic lens and beconfigured to wirelessly receive data from a refraction examination of auser. In some embodiments, the microprocessor can be supported by themedia insert and is configured to change the shape of the liquidmeniscus of said arcuate shaped liquid meniscus lens from a first stateto a second state according to a programmed signal being based on aninput from a user and the wirelessly received data from the refractionexamination. The geometry of the ophthalmic lens of the system being atleast partially defined by a topographical examination and capable ofcorrecting distance vision deficiencies when the liquid meniscus of saidarcuate shaped liquid meniscus lens is at a first state. A change of theshape of the liquid meniscus of said arcuate shaped liquid meniscus lensfrom a first state to a second state which may be useful to correct nearsight deficiencies of the user. Similarly, the change from one state toanother may be used to correct for distance vision deficiencies. In someembodiments, no optical correction may occur at the first state. Whenthis is the case, only distance vision or near sight vision correctioncan occur on demand.

According to additional aspects of the disclosure, a method ofprogramming an energized ophthalmic lens for providing multi-focalvision correction is disclosed. The method comprising: determiningvision corrective needs of a user for distance X; determining visioncorrective needs of a user for distance Y; obtaining at least one bareeye data measurement and visional correction properties of at least onelens design; providing a simulated display of graphical representationspredicting the optical effect of one or more ophthalmic lenses;selecting from the simulated display an ophthalmic lens comprising ahydrogel supporting structure and a Media Insert, at least a portion ofthe Media Insert being supported by the hydrogel portion, and positionedonto a portion of the optical zone of the ophthalmic lens, the shape ofthe ophthalmic lens providing an optical effect capable of correctingthe vision at a distance X; and

programming an operational protocol to switch the state of the opticalcorrective properties of the lens to correct the deficiencies for animage at distance Y.

Certain implementations and configurations of the systems and methodsteps have been outlined so that the detailed description below may bebetter understood. There are, of course, additional implementations thatwill be described below and which will form the subject matter of theclaims.

In this respect, before explaining at least one implementation indetail, it is to be understood that the hydrogel lens including thecommunication system is not limited in its application to the details ofconstruction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in thefollowing description or illustrated in the drawings. Also, it is to beunderstood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as wellas in the Abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not beregarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conceptionupon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basisfor the designing of other structures, methods, and systems for carryingout the several purposes of the ophthalmic lens including the control,subsequent to the manufacturing of the ophthalmic lens, of additionaldynamic components that may be included in some embodiments. It isunderstood, therefore, that the claims include such equivalentconstructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope ofthe present application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of an exemplary Media Insert 100 for anenergized Ophthalmic Device 150 and an isometric representation of theenergized Ophthalmic Device 150 with two partial cross sections.

FIG. 2A is a diagrammatic representation an exemplary EnergizedOphthalmic Lens in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B illustrates a cross section of an exemplary liquid meniscus lensaccording to some aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a three dimensional cross section representation ofan exemplary functionalized layered media insert that can be implementedaccording to some aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a processor that may be used to implement someembodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a representative display of a simulation of vision correctionfor a given patient according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates method steps that may be used to program amulti-focal ophthalmic lens of the system of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A method and system useful to provide multi-focal vision correction to auser is disclosed. The system may be used to program vision correctiveproperties at more than one state using an Energized Ophthalmic Lens ina sensible manner. According to some aspects, the system can include anactive lens insert comprising an electro-active arcuate shaped liquidmeniscus lens capable of changing a first state to a predeterminedsecond vision correction state upon a signal from the user.

GLOSSARY

In the description and the claims, various terms may be used for whichthe following definitions will apply:

Active Lens Insert: as used herein, may refer to an electronic orelectromechanical insert device with controls based upon logic circuits.

Bare Eye Data: as used herein, may refer to data and information takenof a patient's eye when the patient is not using any vision correctiondevices. A series of exams can be performed to collect bare eye data,including, e.g., a physiology exam, a topographical exam, a wavefrontexam, and a refraction exam.

Communication System: as used herein, may refer to a wirelesscommunication device that can be configured to transmit and receiveelectromagnetic radiation from its components. In some embodiments, thecommunication system can include a nano-antenna, such as a nano-fractalantenna or a nano-yagi-uda type of antenna architecture, and anano-scale sensor, processor and nano-transceiver. In some embodiments,the communication system can be of negligible size and be withoutconsequence in most optical plastic polymer or resin applications. Inalternative embodiments, significantly opaque components of largercommunication systems that would impede vision may be positioned outsideof the optical zone, for example, forming part of a Media Insert.

Energized: as used herein, may refer to the state of being able tosupply electrical current to or to have electrical energy stored within.

Energy Receptor: as used herein, may refer to a medium that canfunctions as an antenna for receiving wireless energy, such as, forexample via radio wave transmission.

Energy Source: as used herein, may refer to device or layer which iscapable of supplying Energy or placing a logical or electrical device inan Energized state.

Energy: as used herein, may refer to the capacity of a physical systemto do work. Many uses within this disclosure may relate to the saidcapacity being able to perform electrical actions in doing work.

Fitting Lens Data: as used herein, may refer to data and informationtaken of a patient's eye when the patient is using a fitting lens visioncorrection device. A series of exams can be performed to collect fittinglens data, including, e.g., a physiology exam, a topographical exam, awavefront exam, and a refraction exam.

Functionalized Layer Insert: as used herein, may refer to an insert foran ophthalmic device formed from multiple functional layers from whichat least a portion of the multiple functional layers are stacked. Themultiple layers may have unique functionality for each layer; oralternatively mixed functionality in multiple layers. In someembodiments, the layers can be rings.

Habitual Lens: as used herein, may refer to a lens worn by the patienton a regular basis, e.g., daily.

Habitual Lens Data: as used herein, may refer to data and informationtaken of a patient's eye when the patient is using a habitual lensvision correction device. A series of exams can be performed to collecthabitual lens data, including, e.g., a physiology exam, a topographicalexam, a wavefront exam, and a refraction exam.

Lens Design: as used herein, may refer to form, function and/orappearance of a desired Lens which may provide functionalcharacteristics comprising but not limited to optical power correction,color appearance, therapeutic functionality, wearability, acceptablepermeability, shape, composition, conformability, acceptable lens fit(e.g., corneal coverage and movement), and acceptable lens rotationstability.

Lens Forming Mixture: as used herein, the term “lens forming mixture” or“Reactive Mixture” or “RMM” (reactive monomer mixture) refers to amonomer or prepolymer material which can be cured and crosslinked orcrosslinked to form an Ophthalmic Lens. Various embodiments can includelens forming mixtures with one or more additives such as: UV blockers,tints, photoinitiators or catalysts, and other additives one mightdesire in an ophthalmic lenses such as, contact or intraocular lenses.

Mechanical Choices as used herein, can refer to those choices that arevisible or tangible. Mechanical choices may include base curve,diameter, center thickness, and stabilization profiles.

Media Insert: as used herein, may refer to a formable or rigid substratecapable of supporting an energization element, such as a battery, withinan ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, the media insert also includesone or more variable optic lenses and communication systems.

Metrology: as used herein, may refer to both theoretical and practicalaspects of measurement and “metrology equipment” includes equipmentcapable of measuring optical and material characteristics of materials.

Mold: as used herein, may refer to a rigid or semi-rigid object that maybe used to form lenses from uncured formulations. Some molds can includeone or more mold parts used to form a hydrogel lens comprising raisedportions.

Ocular Surface: as used herein, may refer to an anterior surface area ofthe eye.

Ophthalmic Lens: as used herein, may refer to any ophthalmic device thatresides in or on the eye. These devices can provide optical correctionor may be cosmetic. For example, the term lens can refer to a contactlens, intraocular lens, overlay lens, ocular insert, optical insert orother similar device through which vision is corrected or modified, orthrough which eye physiology is cosmetically enhanced (e.g. iris color)without impeding vision. In some embodiments, the preferred lenses ofthe disclosure are soft contact lenses are made from silicone elastomersor hydrogels, which include but are not limited to silicone hydrogels,and fluorohydrogels.

Optical Choices: as used herein, may refer to those choices mostbeneficial to improving a patient's vision. Optical choices may includelow order optical aberration correction (e.g., 2nd order, 3rd order),custom low to mid order optical aberration correction (e.g., 4th order,5th order), and custom mid to high order optical aberration correction(e.g., 6th order, 7th order).

Optical Zone: as used herein, may refer to an area of an ophthalmicdevice or lens through which a wearer of the ophthalmic lens sees afterthe lens is formed.

Pedigree Profile: as used herein, may refer to the background and/ormanufacturing history of an ophthalmic lens. In some preferredembodiments, the pedigree profile can include, for example, one or moreof: lens corrective specifications, base curve, material(s), encrypteddigital identification data, manufacturing facility information, andauthentication data.

Peripheral Zone: as used herein, the term “peripheral zone” or“non-optic zone” may refer to an area of an ophthalmic lens outside ofthe optic zone of the ophthalmic lens, and therefore outside of aportion of the ophthalmic lens through which a lens wearer sees whilewearing the ophthalmic lens on, near or in the eye in a normallyprescribed fashion.

Physiology Exam: as used herein, may refer to an exam that observes thephysical appearance of the eye. Physiology exam includes, but is notlimited to, a glaucoma test (e.g., tonometry test, ophthalmoscopy, opticnerve computer imaging techniques, etc.), a retinal exam (e.g.,ophthalmoscopy, papillary dilation test, optomap retinal exam, etc.),checking for ulcers, a tear production test to check for dry eyesyndrome (e.g., Schirmer test), checking for eye infections, etc.

Refraction Exam: as used herein, may refer to an exam wherein apatient's vision is refracted using a device that contains hundreds ofcombinations of lenses to determine any possible refractive error suchas nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or presbyopia. Anover-refraction exam is where a similar exam is taken but with thepatient wearing a contact lens.

Software-Based: as used herein, may refer to an interaction to reachinformation contained, formulated, and delivered with devices in whichone or more are electric or electronic in construction and requiresoftware code for operation. The software can be locally installed intoone or more devices or remotely located.

Store-Based: as used herein, may refer to an interaction between thepatient and information utilizing devices or information source elementsoccurring at the point of purchase (e.g., practitioner's office,pharmacy, retail store, on-line, kiosk, mobile van, etc.).

Topographical Exam: as used herein, may refer to an exam that looks atthe surface features of an eye. Topographical exam includes, but is notlimited to, curvature of a cornea and surface of a retina, which mayhelp in determining certain characteristics such as: base curvemeasurement of a patient's eye, limbal measurements, pupil size, line ofsight measurement, pupil center measurement, geometric centermeasurement, etc.

Wavefront Exam: as used herein, can refer to an exam that looks at theway that the light travels in an eye. A wavefront exam, which may beperformed with an aberrometer, creates an optical aberration map, whichis sometimes called an “optical fingerprint”, and identifies opticalaberrations or distortions of a patient's eye (e.g., low order, mediumorder, high order, Zernike, other functions or descriptors, etc.).Examples of low order optical aberrations include nearsightedness,farsightedness, and astigmatism. Examples of high order opticalaberrations include coma, trefoil, and spherical aberration.

Web-Based as used herein, can refer to an interaction between apractitioner and/or a patient and information based on communication,either in near real time or by delayed transmission, between two points,in which this connection uses in part the Internet, commonly referred toas the World-Wide-Web, where a practitioner and/or a patient is at oneof the points. The practitioner and/or the patient located point can bea store or non-store location (i.e., home or office) for such aweb-based interaction.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a top view of an exemplary Media Insert 100 foran energized ophthalmic device and an isometric exemplary energizedOphthalmic Device 150 with two partial cross sections are depicted. TheMedia Insert 100 may comprise an active Optical Zone 120 that may befunctional to provide vision correction at more than one state. In someembodiments, the Media Insert 100 may include a portion not in theOptical Zone 120 comprising a substrate 115 incorporated withenergization elements 110 and electronic components 105.

In some embodiments, a power source 110, which may be, for example, abattery, and a load 105, which may be, for example, a semiconductor die,may be attached to the substrate 115. Conductive traces 125 and 130 mayelectrically interconnect the electronic components 105 and theenergization elements 110. In some embodiments, the Media Insert 100 canbe fully encapsulated to protect and contain the energization elements110, traces 125 and 130, and electronic components 105. In someembodiments, the encapsulating material may be semi-permeable, forexample, to prevent specific substances, such as water, from enteringthe Media Insert 100 and to allow specific substances, such as ambientgasses, fluid samples, and/or the byproducts of reactions withinenergization elements 110, to penetrate and/or escape from the MediaInsert 100.

In some embodiments, the Media Insert 100 may be included in/or onOphthalmic Lens 150, which may comprise a polymeric biocompatiblematerial. The Ophthalmic Lens 150 may include a rigid center, soft skirtdesign wherein a central rigid optical element comprises the MediaInsert 100. In some specific embodiments, the Media Insert 100 may be indirect contact with the atmosphere and the corneal surface on respectiveanterior and posterior surfaces, or alternatively, the Media Insert 100may be encapsulated in the Ophthalmic Lens 150. The periphery 155 of theOphthalmic Device 150 may be a soft skirt material, including, forexample, a hydrogel material. The hydrogel material which include asilicone containing component. A “silicone-containing component” is onethat contains at least one [—Si—O—] unit in a monomer, macromer orprepolymer. Preferably, the total Si and attached O are present in thesilicone-containing component in an amount greater than about 20 weightpercent, and more preferably greater than 30 weight percent of the totalmolecular weight of the silicone-containing component. Usefulsilicone-containing components preferably comprise polymerizablefunctional groups such as acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide,methacrylamide, vinyl, N-vinyl lactam, N-vinylamide, and styrylfunctional groups.

Other silicone containing components suitable for use in this disclosureinclude macromers containing polysiloxane, polyalkylene ether,diisocyanate, polyfluorinated hydrocarbon, polyfluorinated ether andpolysaccharide groups; polysiloxanes with a polar fluorinated graft orside group having a hydrogen atom attached to a terminaldifluoro-substituted carbon atom; hydrophilic siloxanyl methacrylatescontaining ether and siloxanyl linkanges and crosslinkable monomerscontaining polyether and polysiloxanyl groups. Any of the foregoingpolysiloxanes can also be used as the silicone containing component inthis disclosure.

In some embodiments, the infrastructure of the Media Insert 100 and theOphthalmic Device 150 may provide an environment to perform analysis ofocular fluid while in contact with an ocular surface according toaspects of the present invention. Ocular fluid samples can include anyone, or a combination of: tear fluid, aqueous humour, vitreous humour,and other interstitial fluids located in the eye.

Referring now to FIG. 2A, a diagrammatic representation of anotherexemplary Energized Ophthalmic Lens 200 in accordance with aspects ofthe present disclosure is illustrated. The exemplary EnergizedOphthalmic Lens 200 may comprise a soft plastic and/or hydrogel portion202 which can support, and in some embodiments, encapsulate the MediaInsert 204. According to aspects of the present disclosure, the MediaInsert 204 can include an arcuate shaped liquid meniscus lens 206 whichmay be activated by the electronics, for example, focusing an image nearor far depending on activation.

Integrated circuit 208 can mount onto a surface of the Media Insert 204and connect to Energy Source 210 (e.g. batteries), lens 206, and othercomponents as necessary for the system. The integrated circuit 208 caninclude a photosensor 212 and associated photodetector signal pathcircuits. The photosensor 212 may face outward through the lens insertand away from the eye, and is thus able to receive ambient light. Thephotosensor 212 may be implemented on the integrated circuit 208 (asshown) for example as a single photodiode or array of photodiodes. Thephotosensor 212 may also be implemented as a separate device mounted onthe Media Insert 204 and connected with wiring traces 214.

In some embodiments, an activation signal for a change of state of thearcuate shaped liquid meniscus lens 206 may result from a user blinking.When the eyelid closes, the Media Insert 204 including photosensor 212is covered, thereby reducing the light level incident on the photosensor212. The photosensor 212 is able to measure the ambient light todetermine when the user is blinking. In some embodiments including theblink detection system, an algorithm can be implemented that may allowfor more variation in the duration and spacing of the blink sequence toidentify activation signals from the user. For example, by timing thestart of a second blink based on the measured ending time of a firstblink rather than by using a fixed template or by widening the mask“don't care” intervals (0 values).

It will be appreciated that the blink detection algorithm may beimplemented in digital logic or in software running on the processor ofthe system controller 210. The algorithm logic or system controller 210may be implemented in a single application-specific integrated circuit,ASIC, with photodetection signal path circuitry and a system controller,or it may be partitioned across more than one integrated circuit. It isimportant to note that the blink detection system of the presentdisclosure has broader uses than for vision diagnostics, visioncorrection and vision enhancement. These broader uses include utilizingblink detection as a means to control a wide variety of functionalityfor individuals with physical disabilities.

The same reasoning can apply to sensors for detecting the presence andlocations of objects; namely, emitter-detector pairs, and pupil dilationsensors. All of these sensor readings may be utilized as signals orvalues for a control protocol to be implemented by various systemsincorporated into an electronic or powered Ophthalmic Lens.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, a cut away view of a liquid meniscus lens 206with a front curve lens 201 and a back curve lens 223. The front curvelens 201 and the back curve lens 223 can be positioned proximate to eachother and form an arcuate cavity 213 therebetween. The front curve lensincludes a concave arcuate interior lens surface 203 and a convexarcuate exterior lens surface 215. The concave arcuate lens surface 203may have one or more coatings (not illustrated). Coatings may include,for example, one or more of electrically conductive materials orelectrically insulating materials, hydrophobic materials or hydrophilicmaterials. One or both of the arcuate lens surface 203 and the coatingsare in liquid and optical communication with an oil 217 contained withinthe cavity 213.

The back curve lens 223 includes a convex arcuate interior lens surface205 and a concave arcuate exterior lens surface 219. The convex arcuatelens surface 205 may have one or more coatings (not illustrated).Coatings may include, for example, one or more of electricallyconductive materials or electrically insulating materials, hydrophobicmaterials or hydrophilic materials. At least one of the convex arcuatelens surface 205 and the coatings are in liquid and opticalcommunication with a saline solution 207 contained within the cavity213. The saline solution 207 can include one or more salts or othercomponents which are electrically conductive and as such may be eitherattracted to or repulsed by an electric charge.

According to the present invention, an electrically conductive coating209 is located along at least a portion of a periphery of one or both ofthe front curve lens 201 and the back curve lens 202. The electricallyconductive coating 209 may include gold or silver and is preferablybiocompatible. Application of an electrical charge to the electricallyconductive coating 209 creates either an attraction or a repulsion ofthe electrically conductive salts or other components in the salinesolution.

The front curve lens 201 has an optical power in relation to lightpassing through the concave arcuate interior lens surface 203 and aconvex arcuate exterior lens surface 215. The optical power may be 0 ormay be a plus or minus power. In some preferred embodiments, the opticalpower is a power typically found in corrective contact lenses, such as,by way of non-limiting example, a power between −8.0 and +8.0 diopters.

The back curve lens 223 has an optical power in relation to lightpassing through the convex arcuate interior lens surface 205 and aconcave arcuate exterior lens surface 219. The optical power may be 0 ormay be a plus or minus power. In some embodiments, the optical power isa power typically found in corrective contact lenses, such as, by way ofnon-limiting example, a power between −8.0 and +8.0 diopters.

Various embodiments may also include a change in optical powerassociated with a change in shape of a liquid meniscus 211 formedbetween the saline solution 207 and the oil 217. In some embodiments, achange in optical power may be relatively small, such as, for example, achange of between 0 to 2.0 diopters of change. In other embodiments, achange in optical power associated with a change in shape of a liquidmeniscus may be up to about 30 or more diopters of change. Generally, ahigher change in optical power associated with a change in shape of aliquid meniscus 211 is associated with a relatively thicker lensthickness 221.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as thoseembodiments that may be included in an ophthalmic lens, such as acontact lens, a cross cut lens thickness 221 of an arcuate liquidmeniscus lens 206 will be up to about 1,000 microns thick. An exemplarylens thickness 221 of a relatively thinner Ophthalmic Lens 200 may be upto about 200 microns thick. Preferred embodiments may include a liquidmeniscus lens 206 with a lens thickness 221 of about 600 microns thick.Generally a cross cut thickness of front curve lens 201 may be betweenabout 35 microns to about 200 microns and a cross cut thickness 221 of aback curve lens 202 may also be between about 35 microns and 200microns.

According to the present invention, an aggregate optical power is anaggregate of optical powers of the front curve lens 201 the back curvelens 223 and a liquid meniscus 211 formed between the oil 217 and thesaline solution 207. In some embodiments, an optical power of theOphthalmic Lens 200 will also include a difference in refractive indexas between one or more of the front curve lens 201, the back curve lens223, oil 217 and the saline solution 207.

In those embodiments that include an arcuate liquid meniscus lens 206incorporated into an Ophthalmic Lens 200, it is additionally desirousfor the saline 207 and oil 217 to remain stable in their relativepositions within the curved liquid meniscus lens 200 as a contact wearermoves. Generally, it is preferred to prevent the oil 217 from floatingand moving relative to the saline 207 when the wearer moves,accordingly, an oil 217 and saline solution 207 combination ispreferably selected with a same or similar density. Additionally, an oil217 and a saline solution 207 preferably have relatively lowimmiscibility so that the saline 217 and oil 208 will not mix.

In some preferred embodiments, a volume of saline solution 207 containedwithin the cavity 213 is greater than the volume of oil 217 containedwithin the cavity 213. Additionally, some preferred embodiments includethe saline solution 207 in contact with essentially an entirety of aninterior surface 205 of the back curve lens 223. Some embodiments mayinclude a volume of oil 217 that is about 66% or more by volume ascompared to an amount of saline solution 207. Some additionalembodiments may include an arcuate liquid meniscus lens wherein a volumeof oil 217 that is about 90% or less by volume as compared to an amountof saline solution 207.

Referring now to FIG. 3 a three dimensional cross section representationis illustrated of yet another exemplary Ophthalmic Lens 300 including aFunctionalized Layer Media Insert 320 configured to include a variablearcuate shaped liquid meniscus lens 310 with energization and electroniccomponents on one or more of its layers 330, 331, 332. In the presentexemplary embodiment, the Media Insert 320 surrounds the entireperiphery of the Ophthalmic Lens 300. One skilled in the art canunderstand that the Media Insert 320 implemented may comprise a fullannular ring or other shapes that still may reside inside or on thehydrogel portion of the Ophthalmic lens 300 and be within the size andgeometry constraints presented by the ophthalmic environment of theuser.

Layers 330, 331 and 332 are meant to illustrate three of numerous layersthat may be found in a Media Insert 320 formed as a stack of functionallayers. In some embodiments, for example, a single layer may include oneor more of: active and passive components and portions with structural,electrical or physical properties conducive to a particular purposeincluding the energization, programming, and control functions describedin the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, a layer 330may include an Energy Source, such as, one or more of: a battery, acapacitor and a receiver within the layer 330. Item 331 then, in anon-limiting exemplary sense may comprise microcircuitry in a layer thatdetects actuation signals for the Ophthalmic Lens 300. In someembodiments, a power regulation layer 332, may be included that iscapable of receiving power from external sources, charges the batterylayer 330 and controls the use of battery power from layer 330 when theOphthalmic Lens 300 is not in a charging environment. The powerregulation may also control signals to an exemplary active arcuateshaped liquid meniscus lens 310 in the center annular cutout of theMedia Insert 320.

An energized lens with an embedded Media Insert 320 may include anenergy source, such as an electrochemical cell or battery as the storagemeans for the energy and in some embodiments, encapsulation, andisolation of the materials comprising the energy source from anenvironment into which an Ophthalmic Lens is placed. In someembodiments, a Media Insert 320 can also include a pattern of circuitry,components, and energy sources. Various embodiments may include theMedia Insert 320 locating the pattern of circuitry, components andEnergy Sources around a periphery of an Optic Zone through which awearer of an Ophthalmic Lens would see, while other embodiments mayinclude a pattern of circuitry, components and Energy Sources which aresmall enough to not adversely affect the sight of the Ophthalmic Lenswearer and therefore the Media Insert 320 may locate them within, orexterior to, an Optical Zone.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a schematic diagram of an exemplary systemcontroller 400 that may be used with some embodiments of the presentdisclosure is illustrated. The system controller 400 includes aprocessor 410, which may include one or more processor componentscoupled to a communication device 420. In some embodiments, a systemcontroller 400 can be used to transmit energy to the energy sourceplaced in the Ophthalmic Lens.

The system controller 400 can include one or more processors 410,coupled to a communication device 420 configured to communicate logicalelectrical signals via a communication channel. The communication device420 may be used, for example, to electronically control one or more of:the change of state of the arcuate shaped liquid meniscus lens,actuation of an electrical component, recording of sensor data,programming and execution of operational protocols, and the transfer ofcommands to operate a component.

The communication device 420 may also be used to communicate, forexample, with one or more wireless user interface device, metrologydevice, and/or manufacturing equipment components. The system processor410 is also in communication with a storage device 430. The storagedevice 430 may comprise any appropriate information storage device,including combinations of magnetic storage devices (e.g., magnetic tapeand hard disk drives), optical storage devices, and/or semiconductormemory devices such as Random Access Memory (RAM) devices and Read OnlyMemory (ROM) devices.

The storage device 430 can store a program 440 for controlling theprocessor 410. The processor 410 performs instructions of the program440, and thereby operates in accordance with the present disclosure. Forexample, the processor 410 may transmit data including, for example,unique identifier, sensor data, calibration data, operational protocols,user information and other data that can be included for the operationof the ophthalmic lens and/or, in some embodiments, to generate a userprofile. Accordingly, the storage device 430 can also store ophthalmicrelated data in one or more databases 450-460.

Referring now to FIG. 5 a representative display of a simulation 500 ofvision correction for a given patient is illustrated. In particular,FIG. 5 is a simulated Snellen chart that is generated to show a patientthe vision correction options available to him/her using lens designdata. Information regarding a patient's bare eye data is provided; andtwo or more available vision options are selected and displayed. Thepatient can select based on need and preference. In certain embodimentsof the present invention, the basic steps of requesting information froma patient and selecting an appropriate option are performed in asubstantially continuous, interactive process.

For example, a store display could be equipped with an interactivecomputer which can prompt the user to answer questions, keep track ofthe answers, provide new questions and/or selections based upon theanswers provided, and select an appropriate classification based onthose answers as described above. In alternative embodiments, theinformation may be collected from a patient though the use of aninteractive site on the World Wide Web, an interactive menu-driven phonesystem, and the like. Charts, tables or other figures may be used asdevices for requesting information from a patient and taking the patientthrough the preference process as described above. Similarly, charts,figures, and the like, can be distributed via e-mail, or via a networksuch as the World Wide Web, and the like.

It is also possible for information regarding the selection of visioncorrection options in accordance with the methods of the presentinvention to be distributed to eye care practitioners, merchants, orother persons and/or places likely to be engaged in the recommendation,retail sale, promotion, distribution, giveaway, or trade of eye careproducts. The interaction described in the present application couldtake place between a patient, a patient's caretaker, a patient's parent,a patient's eye care practitioner, merchant, or other person engaged inthe sale of eye care products. Further, selection may occur proximate toa display case containing one or more of the vision correction optionsavailable within each of any available classifications.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a flow chart illustrating method steps that maybe used to program a multi-focal ophthalmic lens of the system of thepresent disclosure are depicted. At step 701, an eye examination of apatient using vision simulation interactive software can take place todetermine the vision correction needs for a patient at a first distanceX. During the same eye examination of step 701 or in a different type ofexamination, at step 705, vision correction needs of the patient alsousing vision simulation interactive software can be determined for asecond distance Y. At step 710, Bare Eye Data or measurements may beobtained during one or more examinations. Eye examinations can include,for example, a Topographical Exam, Wavefront Exam, and/or PhysiologyExam. The examinations may include one or a combination of: SoftwareBased, Store Based, and Web-based data collection methods.

At step 715, at least one lens design option of an available product isobtained. Lens design options may include, for example, geometricalshapes for fit, optical properties, functional components, MechanicalChoices, and the like. Said obtained lens design option may beimplemented by the vision simulation software to provide the visualsimulations according to the option(s) selected. Visual simulations maybe provided to the patient as a simulated display of graphicalrepresentations predicting the optical effect for one or more lensdesign options available for that patient.

At step 720, an ophthalmic lens may be selected that is capable ofcorrecting the vision correction needs of the patient for a distance X.According to the selected ophthalmic lens, at step 725, an operationalprotocol for a change in optical state of the arcuate shaped liquidmeniscus lens to provide vision corrective properties for distance Y isprogrammed. The protocol can be executed according to an activationsignal. The activation signal which may be triggered, for example,according to blink detection system previously described. In addition,in some embodiments one state may not include any vision correctingoptical properties. For example, only near sight correction propertiesmay be programmed in the Ophthalmic Lens at a first state and no visioncorrection can occur at the second state. This can be useful for usersthat only require vision correction for either near sight or distancesight.

1. A method of programming an energized ophthalmic lens for providing by-focal vision correction, the method comprising: determining vision corrective needs of a user for distance X; determining vision corrective needs of a user for distance Y; obtaining at least one bare eye data measurement of the patient and one or more lens design options for the at least one bare eye data measurement of the patient; providing a simulated display of graphical representations predicting the optical effect of said one or more obtained lens design options; selecting from the simulated display an ophthalmic lens comprising a hydrogel supporting structure and a media insert, at least a portion of the media insert being supported by the hydrogel portion, and positioned onto a portion of the optical zone of the ophthalmic lens, the optical options of the ophthalmic lens providing an optical effect capable of correcting the vision at a distance X; and programming an operational protocol to switch the state of the optical corrective properties of the lens for an image at distance Y.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein: said at least one bare eye data measurement is taken at location selected from the group consisting of a practitioner's office, at a retail store, at a kiosk, at a vehicle, at a patient's workplace and at a patient's home.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein: said at least one bare eye data measurement includes at least one of a topographical exam, wavefront exam, or physiology exam.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein: said at least one bare eye data measurement includes one or a combination of: software-based, store-based, and web-based data collection methods.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein: said and one or more lens design options are based on at least one of geometrical shapes for fit, optical properties, functional components, and mechanical choices and is at least partially defined by said at least one bare eye data measurement.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein: said media insert comprises a liquid meniscus lens.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein: wherein said operational protocol switches the curvature of the meniscus within said liquid meniscus lens.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: executing the operational protocol according to an activation signal.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein: said activation signal is triggered by a blink detection system.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein: one state of the lens does not include any vision correction properties.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein: the simulated display of graphical representations corresponds to an anticipated optical performance resulting from the change of the shape of a liquid meniscus of a arcuate liquid meniscus lens.
 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising: sending one or both of user's feedback and measurement refraction examination information to an eye care practitioner
 13. A method of programming an energized multi-focal ophthalmic lens, the method comprising: providing a simulated display of graphical representations predicting an optical effect of one or more optical properties by the lens; receiving data based on the simulated display of the graphical representations; and programming an operational protocol to switch the state of the optical effect of the lens based on the data.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: correlating the optical effect from the simulated display of graphical representations with the optical effect of the lens at predetermined distances.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein: the state of the optical effect of the lens corrects vision at said predetermined distances.
 16. The method of claim 13, further comprising: obtaining at least one bare eye data measurement.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein: the programming of the operational protocol is based on the data and the at least one bare eye data measurement.
 18. The method of claim 13, wherein: the lens comprises a liquid meniscus.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein: the optical effect of the lens is based on the curvature of the liquid meniscus.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein: the operational protocol switches the curvature of the liquid meniscus. 